Chivalry of a Dark Knight [Batman x Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry]

CH9: Fear (prt 5)

"But now..." Ikki began speak, turned away and sighed.

"I dunno, Bruce. I want to win, so badly. But it feels like with ever step I take, the world around me feels heavier, like fate itself is pulling me back."

"It's not fate." Bruce said matter-of-factly. "What you're feeling is fear."

Ikki's eyes enlarged and he quickly turned to Bruce with astonishment.

"My guess is that you've been ignoring all your doubts and worries in order to push yourself forward and now that you're at the precipice, it's hitting you all at once. You're also afraid that by admitting your fear, you'll prove all your detractors right and that everything you've worked for will be for nothing." Bruce stated.

And then the older man took on a more thoughtful expression.

"But here's the funny thing about fear: It can be your greatest weaknesses but it can also be your greatest strength. Fear drives us, cautions us, reminds us we're alive and can even make us accomplish the impossible."

Bruce looked towards Ikki and could see that the boy didn't fully understand, that's when he decided to reveal a small truth about himself.

"You said that there's something powerful that drives me, do you want to know what it is?" Bruce asked.

Ikki didn't know where he was going with this but nodded silently.

"It's a vow. A single vow."

The F-rank blinked at this, he expected a variety of reasons but this wasn't one of them. Bruce turned his gaze back towards the stars above, this time with his expression hardened with resolve.

"To honor that vow, I had to strive to be the best I can be. Every moment, every day, honing each and every skill set I've learned to its maximum efficiency without exceptions. Because I'm afraid of that one day...that one night when I'll need to be stronger, faster and smarter, I won't be good enough."

"So that's how he's that good?" Ikki wondered with amazement. "What on earth could be this vow that made him this way?"

Bruce then turned his attention back to the boy.

"It's alright to feel terrified, Ikki. It's how you handle it that will define what kind of man you are." he finished.

Ikki looked at him in awe and was reminded of his great grandfather who had similar words of worldly experience.

Thinking back to it all, he realized how much he had lost sight of what kind of man he wanted to be because he was too concerned about failing. He can no longer deny his fears but he now understands what he needs to do, his fortitude was truly renewed.

He remembered what he said to Bruce earlier and was beginning to feel foolish, he proclaimed himself as 'not the type to give up' and yet he almost did. He almost lost faith in himself. He glanced downwards and sighed.

"Great, now I feel stupid. After that big talk I gave you earlier. I thought I was helping you."

He was bought out of it when a felt a hand clasp his shoulder and looked to see Bruce surprisingly sporting a real, reassuring smile on his face.

"You did. This is me returning the favor."

Ikki honestly didn't know what to say other than letting out a good natured chuckle before voicing out his gratitude.

"Heh, Thanks Bruce."

Feeling satisfied, Bruce withdrew hand and leaned back against the steps.

"Any time, kid." he said as he finished off his drink.